. >> reporter: the current funding for the federal government could run out before march, leading to a shutdown. while most of the tax changes go into effect the following year, the 2012 returns could get slashed too by the alternative minimum tax or amt. >> reporter: on the average american it could mean the difference of a thousand dollars or $2000 more in taxes. a lot of the tax deductions and personal exemptions they usually lose to lower their tax bill, those would go away. >> reporter: even if you don't have a job, congress is also negotiating an extension of long-term unemployment benefits for 2 million americans. so what can you do? >> reporter: unfortunately, there is not a lot of things people can do. i think people can contact their members of congress to say they are not happy with the job they are doing or not doing. otherwise watch, pay attention. you might be paying a bigger tax bill. >> reporter: a harsh reality, no matter who you are, with very real and realtime consequences. >>> making news now at 5:52. a tour bush crash in easter, oregon has killed nine people and